Need some direction!!

Steven Button

Steven Button

Administrator
Hi folks

My name is Steven Button, and I am trying to get started in pressure washing. I've been following these boards for around 3 months and have learned a lot - I admire how as an industry you guys (& gals) are relatively open and honest with each other to help push the profession forward.

Quick background for you, I am 24 years old and emigrated to Celebration, Florida from Scotland with my fiance back in April - I bought a swimming pool service & repair business, which I have brought in line and am happy with, I am now starting CleanFast USA - Exterior Cleaning Services.

Tom Vogel from ACR Products put me in contact with Dan Swede from ICES in Fort Lauderdale, FL - I am pretty close to buying an 3000psi 8gpm Hot water trailer setup from him.

I admire how many of you have had great success in the industry and I am sure it has stemmed from a committed, tireless effort from you all - individually and collectively. May I ask how you all got started in the industry, I know this is a broad ranging question and your time is money:

- What equipment did you start with?
- How much was your initial investment?
- First year turnover?
- What marketing did you do initially?
- Did you go to network meetings/chambers of commerce?
- Did you cold call?
- Major setbacks/obstacles - how did you overcome them?
- Was competition a major issue, or is there room for everyone?

- do you have a processes like Jeff's "CALL,WRITE, FAX'!
- did you develop your own methods like Apple Roof Cleaning's "APPLE SAUCE"
- did you have develop your own niche, or identify a need in your area?

I know there is no hard and fast method that leads to success, and often it is a combination of hard work and luck.

I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place... I currently don't have equipment so can't offer demos which I think is a huge selling tool (and I feel like a fake talking to people about pressure washing, or trying to sell 'my services') but on the other I hand don't have customers or work lined up so I am nervous about making such a large investment!!! (yeah, that's being an entrepreneur - calculated risk, market analysis, planning...)

I have compiled a mailing list of 1600 residential addresses and mailed to 250, I have a list of around 25 commercial property management companies ~ around 2 contacts at each company. I have written to 15, done a proposal for a local Cracker Barrel, spoken to 2 and left voicemails for on other.... NOTHING!!!! Do you have any advice from your experience, that may be beneficial in at least securing a conversation or meeting with a PM.

I apologize for the length of my message, I fully understand that you are all busy business people, But I appreciate any help/advice you can provide.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind Regards

Steven Button

~~~My First Postcard~~~ appreciate your feedback/criticism
 

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All I can tell you is be persistent. I am heading into my third year and am still going through much of what you mentioned. I do have some commercial work but nowhere near what I would like. PM's can be hard to find but keep after them and sooner or later you will get a break. The residential market is screwed up with all the idiots out there willing to work for peanuts. You need to find a way to reach a lot of households for very little money. Contrary to what a lot of people think this is not an easy business to operate if you want to be full time.
 
One other thing. Last year at this time I went ahead and purchased a trailer rig, 5 gpm machine, 3000 psi, hot water capable. I got that money back on one job. The machine has paid for itself several times over last year. Much of that work I would not have received, including a commercial contract that required hot water, if I didn't buy the equipment. I also invested in a WC policy that some PM companies require even if you don't have employees. Some of these companies won't even let you bid without it. Some others may disagree with me but I think it is hard to get some of this work if you don't have the equipment first.
 
Thanks for the info Doug

I think I will just have to take the risk and invest in the equipment... I have 2 quotes for $1m general liability and $1m 'umbrella' cover - I will need to look at Workers Comp.

You highlighted something that I was thinking... there is always the chance that within a month I could land enough work, or be lucky enough to get a contract that pays for the equipment :)D PLEASE, PLEASE LET IT HAPPEN!!!!)

... I have to agree with you in regard to having the equipment first, then getting the work. I think I have been second guessing myself too much - just a slight concern about the direction the economy is going in and how it might affect the demand for it.

Once again thank you for sharing... anyone else?! :)

Regards

Steven
 
Steven,
We are in our tenth year and doing OK. Our first three years were tough. We started with nothing, little experience and not enough skills. We worked for pennies and had little to offer. That is why most people start part time. My wife kept her job, till we progressed to a busier time. We started to get repeat business, educate ourselves and joined organizations. We joined the PDCA, Builders groups, Networking groups. Today we have a very large clientel and work 12 months with little slow down. We carry four employees and will grow to eight this Summer. We do not want to be the biggest, only the Best. If you continue to work hard at your business, be serious about what you do, you'll be OK. Don't under sell your business. You only have so many hrs. to work in your life. Use them wisely. Working for less money then the guy down the street is useless. You'll both be out of business soon. Learn your actual cost, set up your company as a corporation. Buy wisely and the # 1 idea we follow is " EDUCATE YOURSELVES!" We train as much as possible. We learn from our groups and take classes and vacations to educate ourselves. I know alot of folks idea of prosper is to have the fastest truck or sportiest equipment or maybe the best boat. This comes with being profitable. Myself, I believe being prosperous is having my 401K grow, or more money in the bank then we have ever had before. Being able to take a Winter month and travel. This is prosperous to me. You are in the tough times now. What you do for the next few years will determine if you grow your business, or start doing something else. I wish you the Best and know you will do the right thing. Thank You.
 
spbutton said:
... I have to agree with you in regard to having the equipment first, then getting the work. I think I have been second guessing myself too much - just a slight concern about the direction the economy is going in and how it might affect the demand for it.

Once again thank you for sharing... anyone else?! :)

Regards

Steven
Click to expand...


Attached is a Market Analysis we have developed using many sources, including our experience in helping start new businesses throughout the US. It is geared more towards Roof Cleaning, but you can easily adapt it to your situation.

One of the biggest mistakes we see in the Roof Cleaning market, and it holds even more true in the Pressure Cleaning market, is that people get into this without doing a little due diligence first.

If you are going to go into business and expect to be successful, you need to lay the proper groundwork. If you do like most people and spend $ thousands on equipment and then HOPE to land enough jobs to cover your costs, you will more than likely end up (like most people) selling your equipment within the first 1-3 years.

A better approach might be for you to use the attached market analysis and talk with your prospective clients. Talk with friends, family, homeowners, and property managers. Tell them what you are thinking about going into & get their feedback. Find out how they value your service, how often they might use your company, and how much they would expect to pay.
(You might also open your local phone book and call a couple of companies that offer the same service. Invite them out for a cup of coffee & talk with them about the market, if they are willing.)

After you do this, you might find that it is too risky or not worth your time - or you might find that this could be a very lucrative business for you. At the very least, you will have some of these people or companies that have reacted positively to your idea and they are willing to pay enough to make it worth your while - and those are the first ones you call, once you have your operation up and running.

Also, you might find that a lot of Property Managers and Business Owners will look at you differently when you're sitting across from them and telling them that you are researching the field BEFORE you get into it. If you're asking them what THEY need and THEY are looking for - and you're building your business based on that, they might see you as the best choice for the work you're looking for.

I hope this helps.
 

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RAC said:
Attached is a Market Analysis we have developed using many sources, including our experience in helping start new businesses throughout the US. It is geared more towards Roof Cleaning, but you can easily adapt it to your situation.

One of the biggest mistakes we see in the Roof Cleaning market, and it holds even more true in the Pressure Cleaning market, is that people get into this without doing a little due diligence first.

If you are going to go into business and expect to be successful, you need to lay the proper groundwork. If you do like most people and spend $ thousands on equipment and then HOPE to land enough jobs to cover your costs, you will more than likely end up (like most people) selling your equipment within the first 1-3 years.

A better approach might be for you to use the attached market analysis and talk with your prospective clients. Talk with friends, family, homeowners, and property managers. Tell them what you are thinking about going into & get their feedback. Find out how they value your service, how often they might use your company, and how much they would expect to pay.
(You might also open your local phone book and call a couple of companies that offer the same service. Invite them out for a cup of coffee & talk with them about the market, if they are willing.)

After you do this, you might find that it is too risky or not worth your time - or you might find that this could be a very lucrative business for you. At the very least, you will have some of these people or companies that have reacted positively to your idea and they are willing to pay enough to make it worth your while - and those are the first ones you call, once you have your operation up and running.

Also, you might find that a lot of Property Managers and Business Owners will look at you differently when you're sitting across from them and telling them that you are researching the field BEFORE you get into it. If you're asking them what THEY need and THEY are looking for - and you're building your business based on that, they might see you as the best choice for the work you're looking for.

I hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Good stuff JB. Much better side of yourself here.
 
spbutton said:
Thanks

took me a day to put together, I was kinda' stumped because I don't have any images of work done (... I haven't done any yet ...:eek: ) but I tried to use my imagination.

Hope the 250 people I sent it to like it enough to give me a call!!
Click to expand...

Reminds me of one of our cards we use....

golf_flyer_pw_house_web_ready.jpg
 
Thanks for the info guys... I'll be making a plan later today, I'll need to do some more research and get out and meet some folk.

Tegrey - Congratulations on your 10th year, I firmly believe in your strong sentiments about 'education'. Always room for improvement and always learning... I want to start as I mean to go on, so will be aiming to be legitimate in all areas. I too would like to known for quality work, but like you say, I will need to walk before I can run!

John - You have opened my eyes - my impatience and hunger to get started has blurred a thorough market research effort. I will use your Market Analysis methods this coming week - 'knowledge is power'.... I fully understand identifying the NEEDS of the customer, this should allow me to get my expectations into check! Thanks for your informed advice.

Michael - I like your card... a picture is definitely worth a thousand words! I might call you later in the week if that is still OK with you?

Regards

Steven
 
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Steven Button said:
Hi folks

My name is Steven Button, and I am trying to get started in pressure washing. I've been following these boards for around 3 months and have learned a lot - I admire how as an industry you guys (& gals) are relatively open and honest with each other to help push the profession forward.

Quick background for you, I am 24 years old and emigrated to Celebration, Florida from Scotland with my fiance back in April - I bought a swimming pool service & repair business, which I have brought in line and am happy with, I am now starting CleanFast USA - Exterior Cleaning Services.

Tom Vogel from ACR Products put me in contact with Dan Swede from ICES in Fort Lauderdale, FL - I am pretty close to buying an 3000psi 8gpm Hot water trailer setup from him.

I admire how many of you have had great success in the industry and I am sure it has stemmed from a committed, tireless effort from you all - individually and collectively. May I ask how you all got started in the industry, I know this is a broad ranging question and your time is money:

- What equipment did you start with?
- How much was your initial investment?
- First year turnover?
- What marketing did you do initially?
- Did you go to network meetings/chambers of commerce?
- Did you cold call?
- Major setbacks/obstacles - how did you overcome them?
- Was competition a major issue, or is there room for everyone?

- do you have a processes like Jeff's "CALL,WRITE, FAX'!
- did you develop your own methods like Apple Roof Cleaning's "APPLE SAUCE"
- did you have develop your own niche, or identify a need in your area?

I know there is no hard and fast method that leads to success, and often it is a combination of hard work and luck.

I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place... I currently don't have equipment so can't offer demos which I think is a huge selling tool (and I feel like a fake talking to people about pressure washing, or trying to sell 'my services') but on the other I hand don't have customers or work lined up so I am nervous about making such a large investment!!! (yeah, that's being an entrepreneur - calculated risk, market analysis, planning...)

I have compiled a mailing list of 1600 residential addresses and mailed to 250, I have a list of around 25 commercial property management companies ~ around 2 contacts at each company. I have written to 15, done a proposal for a local Cracker Barrel, spoken to 2 and left voicemails for on other.... NOTHING!!!! Do you have any advice from your experience, that may be beneficial in at least securing a conversation or meeting with a PM.

I apologize for the length of my message, I fully understand that you are all busy business people, But I appreciate any help/advice you can provide.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind Regards

Steven Button

~~~My First Postcard~~~ appreciate your feedback/criticism
Click to expand...

Your know what I like about the card is that it could be a green card, water conservation. Maybe a brochure? Nice work as always and I know this is old
 
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